Hiking Project Logo

gem icon Blue Lakes [Suggest Edits]

17 votes
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

Description

Blue Lakes are a very popular destination in the San Juan Mountains and is a gem in the Mt. Sneffles Wilderness. These lakes present breathtaking views of glacial lakes with relatively easy access. Enjoy views across Blue Lakes to Dallas peak and other jagged mountain peaks by hiking above Lower Blue Lake. Continue to Upper Blue Lake for views of shoulders of Mt. Sneffels and Gilpin Peak.

Many people use Lower Blue Lake as a base camp to attempt one of the 14ers, Mt. Sneffels, or just pass the lakes on the way up.

All-Day Hike: Blue Lakes is easiest accessed from Blue Lakes Trail up the East Fork Dallas Creek drainage. Follow the Blue Lakes Trail up for 3 miles to reach Lower Blue Lake and continue for another half a mile to reach Upper Blue Lake.

Gem Type: Lake

Shared by:
Sarah Baker

0 Comments

You & This Gem

Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      Clear Rating
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Jul 4, 2022
Valerie Norton
Better the next morning: https://valhikes.blogspot.com/2022/07/blue-lakes-return.html
Jul 28, 2021
Jay Abernathy
Jul 17, 2021
Shari Pederson
Oct 9, 2020
Kathy Dragon
Oct 1, 2020
John Nelson
Sep 26, 2020
Michelle Schafer
Sep 23, 2020
Lydia Deng
Aug 20, 2020
James Shepherd

Nearby Gems

gem Favorite It's fun to imagine what life may have been like here.

Ironton Townsite

(1) Ouray, CO
gem Favorite Views down toward Telluride from near the top of the falls and Powerplant.

Bridal Veil Powerhouse

(1) Telluride, CO
gem Favorite The viewpoint features a few informative plaques and benches to sit and enjoy the vista.

Bear Creek Falls

(1) Ouray, CO
gem Favorite The metal walkway within Box Canyon.

Box CaƱon Falls

(1) Ouray, CO
gem Favorite San Juan views from the mill.

Matterhorn Mill

(1) Mountai…, CO
gem Favorite The Bridal Veil Powerhouse.

Bridal Veil Falls

(6) Telluride, CO
gem Favorite Views from Ames Power Plant.

Ames Hydroelectric Generating Plant

(1) Mountai…, CO

Nearby Trails

7.6 mi 12.2 km Blue Lakes Trail
Intermediate/Difficult
Telluride, CO
Intermediate/Difficult
Telluride, CO
Minor Issues
Update
Snowy, Mostly Dry, Fallen Trees
56 days ago
43 
4.7 mi 7.5 km Bear Creek Falls
Intermediate
Telluride, CO
Intermediate
Telluride, CO
All Clear
Update
Mostly Dry, Some Mud
64 days ago
47 
5.0 mi 8.0 km Mt. Sneffels
Difficult
Ouray, CO
Difficult
Ouray, CO
All Clear
Update
Dry
46 days ago
37 
4.8 mi 7.8 km Perimeter Trail
Intermediate/Difficult
Ouray, CO
Intermediate/Difficult
Ouray, CO
All Clear
Update
40 days ago
28 
3.3 mi 5.4 km Columbine Lake Trail #509
Difficult
Silverton, CO
Difficult
Silverton, CO
All Clear
Update
89 days ago
11 
8.1 mi 13.1 km Bridge of Heaven via the "New" Horsethief Trail
Intermediate/Difficult
Ouray, CO
Intermediate/Difficult
Ouray, CO
All Clear
Update
Dry
69 days ago
12 
8.0 mi 12.9 km Sneffels Highline Trail #434
Difficult
Telluride, CO
Difficult
Telluride, CO
All Clear
Update
Dry
63 days ago
8.1 mi 13.1 km Columbine Lake Out-and-Back
Intermediate/Difficult
Silverton, CO
Intermediate/Difficult
Silverton, CO
Unknown
Update
4.3 mi 6.9 km Bear Creek National Recreation Trail #241
Intermediate/Difficult
Ouray, CO
Intermediate/Difficult
Ouray, CO
Unknown
Update
3.3 mi 5.3 km Jud Weibe Loop
Intermediate/Difficult
Telluride, CO
Intermediate/Difficult
Telluride, CO
All Clear
Update
20 days ago
17 
Shared by Sarah Baker on Nov 28, 2016. All Page Views: 6,857. Last Month: 10.